Are Dominicans sacrificing food in order to purchase hair extensions and costume jewelry?

Are Dominicans cutting back on their grocery bill in order to purchase hair extensions and costume jewelry?

This was one of the many questions that were asked, as stakeholders tried to analyze the spending patterns of the populace, after the Central Statistics Office in the Ministry of Finance presented the results of its National Accounts and Consumer Price Index survey, at an official launching ceremony at the Fort Young Hotel, this Morning.

Based on the results, in 2008/2009 the largest expenditure was recorded in the housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuel group, which includes rent, imputed rentals and housing maintenance and repairs, unlike in 1997/1998 when the food group registered the largest expenditure.

The transport group followed second while food came in third.

In 1997/1998 food was followed by the housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuel groups and then transport and communication (cellular phones and internet service), however, in 2008/2009 the housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuel group registered the largest expenditure. This was followed by the transportation group, then the food group and household furniture and equipment group.

Chief Statistician Prayma Carrette says there is absolutely no doubt that the expenditure pattern in Dominica has differed over the years.

According to her, over the past ten years percentage increases in weights were also recorded in educational expenses, restaurants and hotels as well as in miscellaneous goods and services which includes hair extension, costume jewelry, elderly care and coffins.

Financial Secretary at the Ministry of Finance and Social Security Miss Rosemund Edwards says this morning’s ceremony was a culmination of months of work by the central Statistics Office in collaboration with development partners, specifically the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) AND THE Caribbean Center for technical assistance.

Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Honourable Alvin Bernard, who represented the Prime Minister at this morning’s ceremony, says the revelations made at the function will certainly inform and sharpen the respective strategic objectives of the government.

Given the fact that reliable date is paramount, he encouraged all stakeholders as well as all the respondents who will be periodically solicited to participate in the process to make a firm commitment to ensure the success of the activity.

The Central Statistics Office is a government agency, charged with the legal mandate to collect and collate data that is necessary for the formulation of several policies. Its specific task includes, but is not limited to, the collection of social and economic data, the publication of economic and social statistics and the conduct of surveys and censuses.